Module information
Details
- Title
- Pathological Basis of Disease
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-H-S2-2
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module aims to provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of the pathological basis of disease and the use of histopathology, cytopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology techniques to detect, diagnose and monitor disease in patient samples. Trainees will apply a range of techniques to case studies in clinical practice and gain experience of interpreting results as part of patient investigations.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,9 |
Competency
Prepare representative patient samples from a range of tissue types and identify the following types of inflammatory processes:
|
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2,9 |
Competency
Prepare representative patient samples from a range of tissue types and identify three of the following processes:
|
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 3,9 |
Competency
Prepare representative patient samples from a range of tissue types and identify the following processes:
|
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 4,9 |
Competency
Prepare representative patient samples from a range of tissue types, identify the presence and pathological manifestation of infections caused by the following:
|
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 5,9 |
Competency
Prepare representative patient samples from a range of tissue types and identify the immune response and immunological disease in two of the following:
|
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 6,9 |
Competency
Using representative patient samples from a range of tissue types, with a consultant supervisor identify the following processes:
|
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 7,9 |
Competency
Decalcify a benign specimen and perform an ‘end of decalcification’ test |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9 |
Competency
In relation to non-malignant disease; capture, annotate and describe:
|
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 5,6,9 |
Competency
Perform microtomy of a specimen for onward molecular testing |
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify different types of inflammation.
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify tissues undergoing proliferation or degeneration.
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify tissue injury and repair.
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify the presence of infectious organisms.
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify the presence of an immunological response and disorders of the immune system.
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify metaplasia or dysplasia.
- Perform microscopical assessment of stained slides to identify malignancy and metastasis.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Discuss a case with a Consultant Pathologist or Consultant Scientist and suggest additional investigative techniques to determine a diagnosis.
- Discuss a case for reporting to a screening programme with a Consultant Pathologist or Consultant Scientist and identify appropriate follow up from screening guidance.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use histological techniques to demonstrate the different types of inflammation. |
| 2 | Use histological techniques to demonstrate the different types of benign proliferation and degeneration. |
| 3 | Use histological techniques to demonstrate the different types of injury, repair and vascular damage. |
| 4 | Use histological techniques to demonstrate the different types of infection. |
| 5 | Use histological techniques to demonstrate the different types of immunological disease. |
| 6 | Use histological techniques to demonstrate the different types of abnormal proliferation. |
| 7 | Apply decalcification techniques to minimise the impact on downstream testing. |
| 8 | Employ techniques to capture, annotate and describe macroscopic and microscopic images of non-malignant pathologies. |
| 9 | Practice safely in accordance with quality management and accreditation standards. |
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Evaluate systemic and local disease within major organ systems with a focus on benign pathologies.
- Summarise the mechanisms and microscopic appearances of benign tissue pathologies and discuss the specific roles of regenerative, inflammatory and infectious processes and the immune response.
- Outline the autopsy process and evaluate underlying principles of consent, ethical and regulatory issues.
Indicative content
- Normal appearance of a variety of organ systems, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast, male and female genital tracts and the urinary systems.
- Principles of inflammation, benign proliferation and degeneration, injury, repair and vascular damage, infection, immunological disease and abnormal proliferation.
- Aetiology, epidemiology and the main clinical features of common, benign disorders.
- Knowledge of autopsies and the underlying principle of consent, and ethical and regulatory issues.
- Relate genomics and bioinformatics to the clinical investigation.
- Methods and relevance of decalcification techniques.
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting relating to a case where they have been involved in its pathway through the laboratory to appreciate the role of histopathology in patient management.
- Attend a clinic where histopathological samples are taken to appreciate the patient experience e.g. endoscopy, dermatology or colposcopy.
- Attend a clinic where diagnostic cytology samples are taken to appreciate the patient experience, e.g. EUS, EBUS or FNA.
- Attend a meeting where genomic information is discussed to appreciate the role of molecular pathology in patient management.
- Attend a morbidity and mortality meeting to appreciate the input of histopathology.